The Wilson part that really interested Fitzgerald was tiny, as I told TIME readers. Basically, I asked Libby if he had heard anything about Wilson's wife having been involved in sending him to Niger. Libby responded with words to the effect of, "Yeah, I've heard that too."
From the indictment:
b. LIBBY advised Matthew Cooper of Time magazine on or about July 12, 2003, that he had heard that other reporters were saying that Wilson’s wife worked for the CIA, and further advised him that LIBBY did not know whether this assertion was true; and
I don't knw what Libby said but Cooper sure the hell doesn't claim what's purported in the indictment.
Yes, he does. You were quoting the part of the indictment that refers to Libby's "false statements". See #32.
The prosecutor evidently believed Cooper because his testimony matched that of the other reporters who spoke with Libby.
I don't think the exact contents of the conversation with Cooper is the issue in the indictment. It's Libby's statements to the FBI and GJ, when describing the conversations, that's the problem. Basically, Libby told investigators that he did not know for sure that Plame worked for the CIA.
I don't knew what Libby said but Cooper sure the hell doesn't claim what's purported in the indictment.
I recall Fitzgerald saying that Libby had initiated the phone calls, that he was calling one reporter after another dropping the same lines. According to Cooper, he anxiously awaited Libby to return his calls. He said he ran from the parking lot to his car, checking his cell phone. Finally, he got the call and went home without showering.
I believe Fitzgerald exaggerated during his press conference to enhance his indictment of Libby.